Newcastle vs West Ham United Predictions

• West Ham have lost just one of their last five visits to this ground, scoring 12 times
• Newcastle have won once across their last six games
• The hosts have won one of their last five at home, conceding twice in four of those
• Paqueta has scored in two of West Ham’s last three and he netted at this ground last term

Can Newcastle inspire a European push?

The opening game of the Premier League weekend is a vital one in the race for European football. West Ham are just three points shy of the top six heading into this contest, but their current position of seventh is likely to be enough for a Europa League spot next term.

The Hammers also have an outside chance of securing Champions League football by winning this season’s Europa League. As for Newcastle, they’re 10th in the table and after a torrid season they’re expected to miss out completely. However, they are only two points shy of eighth, which would likely send them into the Europa Conference League as favourites to win the trophy next term. Can the Magpies rally late on and earn a shot at continental glory?

Vital run for the Hammers

The visitors still have plenty to play for this term, both at home and in Europe. Their main focus is likely to be decided by a crucial run of three games in seven days, with Tottenham at home and Wolves away to follow this trip to the North-east.

If the Hammers can secure a few good results in that run, then a push for a top six finish in the league may look more realistic than European progress. If they stumble over the next week, then their season could hang on a European quarter-final with Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

The Hammers did at least turn around their form heading into the international break. They have lost just once in their last six games. That sole defeat was a 1-0 loss in Freiburg, which they avenged with a 5-0 home win. The Hammers won their last league trip away at Everton, while they’ve already claimed victories in visits to Arsenal, Tottenham and Brighton this term.

Paqueta can inspire visitors

West Ham have lost only once across their last five visits to St James’ Park, scoring 12 times in that run. Last season Lucas Paqueta scored in their 1-1 draw with the Magpies and the Brazilian heads into Saturday’s contest in stellar form. He’s scored in two of West Ham’s last three, while he found the net in a prestige friendly clash with Spain on Tuesday.

Paqueta can lead the in-form Hammers to a result this weekend, with Newcastle coming into this clash in poor form. The injury-hit hosts have seen just one win across their last five at home, with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Luton and Bournemouth scoring at least twice against them in that run.

The Magpies have won once in six overall and with injuries continuing to mount for the home side, they look vulnerable. Take West Ham to continue a good record at this ground, while the pair could be in line for a high-scoring draw.